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[indent] Sophia's anxiousness was met with a glimmer of relief as she approached Haven's table. The girl's small smile acted as a soothing balm to her nerves, and the sight of someone seemingly approachable made the endeavour of striking up a conversation less daunting. As Haven pushed her backpack aside to free up space, her gratitude was reflected in her eyes. [color=#87CEEB]"Thanks,"[/color] the shy girl replied softly, mustering a faint but genuine smile of her own. She felt a twinge of surprise at how Haven seemed open to engaging with her, despite the unfamiliarity of the situation. 

Sophia's fingers instinctively smoothed down the fabric of her floral dress as she settled into the seat across from Haven. Listening intently, she nodded as Haven introduced herself. The name carried a certain sense of strength, fitting for someone with the wings that Sophia had glimpsed.

[color=#87CEEB]"Nice to meet you, Haven,"[/color] Sophia responded, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. As Haven's question lingered in the air, Sophia took a moment to consider her answer. The truth was tinged with a touch of vulnerability, but something about the atmosphere Haven created encouraged honesty. 

[color=#87CEEB]"I... didn't exactly volunteer,"[/color] Sophia admitted, her gaze momentarily drifting downward before returning to Haven's hazel eyes. [color=#87CEEB]"It's a bit complicated, I guess. I was kind of brought here."[/color] She offered a small, self-deprecating chuckle, hoping to alleviate any tension that might arise from the seriousness of her response.

Sophia's heart rate had gradually eased since entering the room, and as she looked at Haven, she felt a rare warmth of connection. The idea of making a friend, especially one like Haven, was an unexpected ray of light in her world of uncertainties.

Haven's expression didn't change as she listened to Sophia speak. The only indication that she was processing Sophia's words was her lips pressing together for a brief moment before she nodded once. [color=tan]"I was volun[i]told[/i] as well."[/color] Haven murmured with a wry smile.

Sophia's fingers fidgeted slightly with the edge of her dress as she spoke, her emerald-green eyes reflecting a mixture of apprehension and a touch of vulnerability. The need to clarify her parents' love was evident in her voice as she continued, [color=#87CEEB]"I mean, they really do care about me. My parents. It's just... they believed that maybe here, I'd have a chance to be around others who understand, who share something similar."[/color] Her words danced on the edge of the defence, her tone not only directed outward but also inward as if she were reassuring herself just as much as explaining to Haven.

Emotions shifted in Haven's eyes as she seemed to struggle to find words. In a matter of seconds, she dealt with an inward battle and her eyes settled into a soft stare. [color=tan]"I'm sure they mean the best for you."[/color] She shrugged lightly. [color=tan]"It doesn't seem awful here, so far."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Yeah,"[/color] Sophia replied gently, her voice conveying gratitude. [color=#87CEEB]"I think they do mean well. It's just... sometimes, it feels like they want me to be something I'm not. Like they expect me to fit into a mould I was never meant for."[/color] She sighed softly, her fingers absently tracing the delicate pendant hanging from her neck. 

[color=#87CEEB]"But you're right,"[/color] she continued, her tone brightening a bit. [color=#87CEEB]"It doesn't seem too bad here. And I guess we have each other now. That's something."[/color] Her gaze shifted around the room, and she realized they were slowly becoming a part of this peculiar community, whether they had chosen it or not.

Haven had a soft smile on her face as Sophia turned back to her. [color=tan]"I have to admit, I thought it was going to be difficult to find friends here."[/color] She shrugged before continuing. [color=tan]"I'll introduce you to Wes when he gets back. He popped out to wash up a little."[/color]

[color=#87CEEB]"Wes, huh?"[/color] Sophia mused, her curiosity piqued. [color=#87CEEB]"What's he like? And the others here, what are they all like, so far? I...got here pretty late."[/color] She leaned in a bit, eager to learn more about the people who would become a part of her life in the days to come. 

[color=tan]"Uh... well,"[/color] Haven started, her eyes flicking towards the others briefly. [color=tan]"I haven't met any of them but Wes."[/color] She looked a little uncomfortable as if there were things she wanted to say but chose not to. [color=tan]"Some of them I feel are just anxious to be here, so they haven't spoken to anyone yet... or they've already acted out and gotten in trouble."[/color] Her shoulders straightened and her voice dropped just low enough for Sophia to hear. [color=tan]"The younger-looking girl gave everyone that already lives here an introduction when we came in. It seems like there's only one person I think we should avoid."[/color] Haven's eyes moved behind Sophia for a moment.


Sophia noticed the subtle shift in Haven's gaze, directed toward a certain individual in the room in conversation with two others- a redhead and a little...kid? She couldn't help but feel a shiver of discomfort as she observed the man in question, even from a distance. His athletic build, the tattoos that adorned his face and neck, and the way he carried himself all hinted at a past filled with darkness and mystery. His aura was not one of approachability; rather, it was a palpable force that seemed to demand submission from those around him. Sophia had seen individuals like him before, people who thrived in an environment of confinement and control, where power dynamics played out in subtle but influential ways.

Sophia couldn't help but wonder what kind of person he was and what role he played in this peculiar gathering. It was a curiosity tinged with apprehension, a sense that this man held secrets and an unpredictable nature that made him an enigma in this already bewildering environment. She couldn't deny the allure of unravelling this man's story, but she also sensed that some things were better left undiscovered. It was a delicate balance, and Sophia found herself on the cusp of a choice – to delve deeper into this enigma or to tread cautiously and preserve whatever sense of safety and comfort she'd managed to find with her new friend. 

As Sophia turned her gaze back to Haven, she leaned in a little closer, her emerald eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. She asked in a hushed tone, [color=#87CEEB]"Who's that guy?"[/color] 

[color=tan]"Personally, I'm not sure. He was eyeing up every new arrival like a hawk, though."[/color] Haven's eyes flitted between Sophia's. [color=tan]"I think in some way you already know just by looking at him, but The Kid, that's her nickname, told us he could read anyone like a book. I'm guessing he doesn't use that information kindly."[/color]

[color=tan]"I don't want to find out if I'm right, either, so I'm hoping to stay out of focus for as long as possible."[/color]

Sophia couldn't shake the shiver of trepidation that ran down her spine as Haven laid out the extent of the man's abilities. Like an open book, the notion of being so easily read was chilling. It left her feeling exposed and vulnerable in this already strange and unfamiliar environment. However, in a peculiar way, she couldn't deny that there had always been a part of her that longed not to be misunderstood by others. She had often wished for the power to convey her thoughts and feelings more effectively to her old classmates, but really never could. 

It was a strange paradox to long for understanding, yet fear the consequences of such a revelation.

As she absorbed this newfound knowledge, Sophia's gaze flicked back toward the enigmatic man, her expression now laden with a mixture of wariness and curiosity. He stood as a figure of uncertainty, both alluring and foreboding to her. The girl couldn't help but wonder about the stories hidden behind his piercing gaze and countless tattoos, and the experiences that had sculpted him into the person he was now. It was a tangible reminder that every individual here bore their own narrative, their own struggles, and their own secrets.

Turning back to Haven, Sophia offered a grateful yet subdued smile, appreciating the insight she had shared. [color=#87CEEB]"Thank you for letting me know,"[/color] she murmured, her voice a blend of appreciation and introspection, [color=#87CEEB]" and for making this transition a little less daunting. It means more than you know."[/color] Her voice held a quiet sincerity, a genuine appreciation for the kindness she had found in this unexpected encounter.

Sophia knew she needed some time to process all that she had seen and heard, to find her place in this intricate tapestry of lives. With a gentle smile, she added, [color=#87CEEB]"I think I'll take a little time to explore and maybe find a quiet spot to think. But I'm sure we'll run into each other again soon. And maybe I'll get to meet Wes then. Thanks again, Haven."[/color]

With that, Sophia mustered a small, hopeful smile and turned to navigate the bustling room, her heart a mix of anticipation and trepidation for the journey that lay ahead. [/indent]